Portable Infant Swing

ABSTRACT

A portable infant swing for use with an infant car seat. The infant swing comprises a combination of a swing frame connected to a seat-receiving frame, and securing elements for securely coupling the infant car seat to the seat-receiving frame.

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/716,980 filed on Sep. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable swings for infants, and moreparticularly to an infant swing that may be detachably coupled to aninfant car seat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Infant swings are known in the art and are disclosed in, for example,the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,256,016; 5,531,656; 5,562,548; and5,803,817.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,256,016 teaches a combination swing and car seat for achild. The combination swing consists of three main components,specifically, a frame, a seat, and a bracket mechanism. The frame iscollapsible and comprises a pair of U-shaped supports which extend fromremovable legs. The seat is removable and can be secured to the bracketmechanism which is in turn attached to the swing frame by hanger-pieces.A problem with this swing is that the child car seat used must have ashape which allows for coupling with the bracket mechanism in order tofacilitate attachment to the swing. As such, only certain seats can beused with the bracket mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,548 teaches a convertible child swing consisting ofa frame and a seat that may be used as a child safety seat in anautomobile. The frame comprises two pairs of pillars connected by across member. The frame also comprises a pair of hanger arms, which hangdown from the cross member, and which are attached to a pivotable base.A car seat may be attached to the pivotable base by latches in the basethat lock the seat in place. A problem with this swing is that the childcar seat must be fitted with latches in its base in order to allow forconnection to the pivotable base of the frame. As such, only seatshaving latches on their base are compatible with the bracket mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,656 discloses a portable baby swing. The baby swingincludes a frame comprising a pair of telescoping leg sections connectedby a cross member. The swing also includes a removable bag for receivingand cradling a baby. The bag can be connected to the cross member by apair of support straps which can be looped around the cross member. Thesupport straps further include latches which are used to secure thesupport straps once looped around the cross member. This swing requiresthat the baby be held in a bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,817 teaches an infant swing comprising a frame, aswing arm, and a seat releasably mounted on the swing by a couplingassembly. The coupling assembly consists of a pivot plate mounted to theback of the seat, and a T-shaped connector mounted to the lower end ofthe swing arm. The pivot plate allows the seat to pivot betweenreclining and upright positions. This invention requires the seat toinclude a pivot plate in order to facilitate coupling with the swingarm, and therefore is limited to specifically designed infant automobileseats.

The present invention seeks to obviate or mitigate at least some of theabove-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the present invention provides a portable infant swingfor detachable coupling with an infant automobile seat, the infant swingcomprising:

-   -   a frame including a support shaft; and    -   a pivoting holding element depending from the support shaft for        securing a carrying handle of the infant automobile seat to the        frame.

In another embodiment of the present invention the support shaft hasfirst and second ends, a first leg and a second leg connected to thefirst end of the support shaft, and a third leg and a fourth legconnected to the second end of the support shaft.

In another aspect, a manually operated portable infant swing isprovided, the infant swing comprising; a swing frame, a collapsible orfoldable seat-receiving frame connected to the swing frame by aplurality of suspending elements, wherein the seat-receiving framecomprises a securing element for coupling of an infant car seat to theportable infant swing.

In another aspect, a portable infant swing is provided wherein acollapsible seat-receiving frame is used to couple an infant car seat toa swing frame. The seat-receiving frame may, for example, be in the formof a sling having supports and restraints to securely hold the infantcar seat in the seat-receiving frame as described further below. In thisembodiment, the seat-receiving frame should be at least partiallyconstructed of a strong, flexible, and durable material, for examplenylon, which can support the weight of the car seat. The use of materialsuch as nylon allows the seat-receiving frame to be folded or rolledinto a compact storage position when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention will become more apparent in the followingdetailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is an example of an infant car seat that may be used inconjunction with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example of one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 2 coupled to an infant car seat.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an example of the holding elementcomponent of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theholding element shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theholding element shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theholding element shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theholding element shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 shows top view of an infant car seat that may be used inconjunction with the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a swivel mechanism for a holdingelement according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a swivel mechanism for a holdingelement according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the holdingelement shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 shows a partial perspective view of stops that included in anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a base pole.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the underside of a base elementincluded in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the underside of the base element shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a collapsing mechanism as it appearsin a non-collapsed state of the embodiment of the present inventionshown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a collapsing mechanism as it appearsin a collapsed state of the embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 15.

FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the collapsing mechanism in afirst position.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the collapsing mechanism in asecond position.

FIG. 23 shows a plan view of the underside of the top piece of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 15 in a collapsed state.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of an additional embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a further additional embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an infant swing that can be detachablycoupled to the carrying handle of infant car seats known in the art. Anexample of a typical infant car seat that could be used in conjunctionwith the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The infant car seat 10has a carrying handle 12 which can be used to pick up and carry the carseat when not installed in an automobile. In FIG. 1, the infant car seathas a U-shaped carrying handle 12, however, the present invention is notlimited to use with infant car seats having this specific carryinghandle shape or configuration, as will be described in further detailbelow.

An example of one embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.2 and 3. A portable infant swing 14 is set up in a ready-to-useposition. The infant swing comprises a frame 14 including a rigidsupport shaft 16 having spaced first and second ends (18, 20). It ispreferred that the support shaft 16 is collapsible or foldable in orderto increase portability.

The first and second ends (18, 20) of the support shaft 16 are eachattached to one of a pair of leg sections (22). Each leg section (22)includes a first leg (24) and a second leg (26). In one embodiment ofthe present invention, the first and second legs of each leg section areadjustable in length or telescoping. Legs that are adjustable in lengthallow the infant swing 14 to be erected over uneven terrain. Infantswings comprising telescoping legs are known in the art and aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,656. The legs, however,are not required to be adjustable in length. For example, legs that areadjustable in length may be replaced by non-adjustable legs or foldablelegs. Infant swings having rigid, non-adjustable legs are also known inthe art and are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,256,016. Thelegs are preferably collapsible in order to increase the portability ofthe infant swing.

Depending from the support shaft 16, between the first and second ends(18, 20), is a holding element 28. As shown in FIG. 3, the holdingelement 28 is used to detachably couple the infant car seat 10 to thesupport shaft 16. In use, the holding element 28 is securable to thecarrying handle 12 of the infant car seat 10. Examples of suitableholding elements are those which include a hook or a clamp for couplingwith the carrying handle. The portion of the holding element designedfor coupling with the carrying handle may be molded to receive carryinghandles from specific models of infant car seats.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the holding element 28 includes aloop section 34 positioned proximal to a first end 35 of the holdingelement, for surrounding the support shaft. By the phrase “surroundingthe support shaft” it is meant that the loop section 34 completely orpartially engages the shaft so that the holding element 28 is supportedfrom the shaft. Thus, to accomplish this, the loop 34 may constitute anorifice or hook through which the shaft extends. This arrangementpermits the holding element 28 to pivot around the support shaft andpivot the infant car seat relative to the support shaft. The holdingelement also includes at a second end 36, a hinged loop section 37 forreceiving the carrying handle. The hinged loop section includes a hingedbase 38 having one or more hinges 39. The hinged loop section alsoincludes a lock 41 for locking the hinged base in place after a carryinghandle has been inserted into the hinged loop section.

An alternate embodiment of the holding element is shown in FIG. 5. Theholding element 228 includes spaced first 235 and second 236 ends.Located at the first end of the holding element is a loop section 234for surrounding the support shaft, thereby permitting the holdingelement 228 to pivot around the support shaft and pivot the infant carseat relative to the support shaft. Located at the second end 236 of theholding element 228 is a clamp 240 for securable receipt of the carryinghandle of the infant car seat. The jaws 242 of the clamp are actuatedbetween open and closed positions by a spring-loaded lever 244.

Another embodiment of the holding element is shown in FIG. 6. Theholding element 328 includes spaced first 335 and second 336 ends.Located at the first end 335 of the holding element 328 is a loopsection 334 for surrounding the support shaft, thereby permitting theholding element 328 to pivot around the support shaft and pivot theinfant car seat relative to the support shaft. Located at the second end336 of the holding element 328 is a ring 330 that is adjustable in orderto receive carrying handles having a range of diameters.

Another embodiment of the holding element is shown in FIG. 7. Theholding element 428 includes spaced first 435 and second 436 endspositioned on opposite ends of a shaft 437. Located proximal to thefirst end 435 of the holding element 428 is an orifice or opening 434through which the support shaft 16 can be inserted, thereby permittingthe holding element 428 to pivot around the support shaft and pivot theinfant car seat relative to the support shaft. Located at the second end436 of the holding element 428 is a hook 440 for supporting the carryinghandle of an infant car seat.

Another embodiment of the holding element is shown in FIG. 8. Theholding element 428 includes spaced first 435 and second 436 endspositioned on opposite ends of a shaft 437. Located proximal to thefirst end 435 of the holding element 428 is a loop section 434. Locatedat the second end 436 of the holding element 428 is a hook 440 forsupporting a carrying handle of an infant car seat. Attached to the hook440 is a hinged arm 442. Once the carrying handle is received by thehook 440, the hinged arm 442 can be manoeuvred across the top of thecarrying handle. The hinged arm 442 has a first end 436 which isattached to the hook 440 via a hinge 438, and a second end 450 whichincludes a clamp 452. When the arm 442 is manoeuvred across the carryinghandle, the clamp 452 of the arm 442 can be locked into a groove 454 onthe shaft 437 thereby preventing the carrying handle from slipping outof the hook 440. A number of variations of clamps could be used on thehinged arm provided that the clamps secure the hinged arm in place andprevent the carrying handle from slipping free of the hook 440.

In another alternate embodiment (not shown) of the present invention,the holding element may be coupled to a spring or other such dampeningmeans. Such dampening means serves to provide resiliency in order toachieve a smoothly oscillating swinging action and eliminate any jerkingmotions especially at the end of a movement in one direction and thestart of the return movement in the opposite direction.

In another embodiment, the holding element such as shown in the variousexamples above, may also include a swivel mechanism that permits onesection of the holding element to be swivelled with respect to the otherin order to facilitate attachment to different configurations ofcarrying handles other than the typical U-shaped handle shown in FIG. 1.For example, the holding element incorporating such swivelling mechanismallows for securing infant seats having various carrying handleconfigurations such as those that permit the palm of the hand of acarrier to face inwardly towards the carrier. One example of this typeof carrying handle is shown in FIG. 9 which is a carrier seat describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,094. The handle 40 comprises two legs (42, 44)that are connected to the car seat 50. The distal ends (46, 48) of thelegs (42, 44) are connected by a handgrip 52. This handle has aZ-configuration with the central portion of the “Z” comprising thehandgrip, wherein the palm of the hand of a person carrying the seatwould face inwardly towards the person.

An example of a holding element having a swivel mechanism is shown ingreater detail in FIGS. 10 and 11. The swivel mechanism 260 can belocated between the first and second ends, for example, of the shaft 437of the holding element depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this example, theshaft 437 is divided into an upper section 437 a and a lower section 437b. The upper section fits within the lower section and is permitted toswivel around the axis y as shown in FIG. 11. The upper sectionpreferably includes a locking mechanism such as one or morespring-loaded buttons 480 which extend through a corresponding aperture482 in the lower section 437 b when in a first position. Thespring-loaded buttons 480 serve to lock the upper section in place withrespect to the lower section. It will be understood that similar swivelmechanisms can be provided with other embodiments of the holding elementincluding those described herein. Similarly, various alternatives to theoptional locking mechanism will also be apparent to persons skilled inthe art.

In order to swivel the holding element, the spring loaded buttons aredepressed so they no longer extend through the corresponding aperturewhen in the first position. The lower section 437 b can then beswivelled from the first position relative to the upper section 437 buntil the spring-loaded buttons emerge through apertures 484 requiredfor a second position.

Although FIGS. 10 and 11 depict one example of a suitable swivelmechanism, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Anindividual of skill in the art will recognize a number of variations tothe swivel mechanism which may be included with the holding element ofthe present invention.

An alternate embodiment of the holding element according to the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment the holding element460 includes spaced first 462 and second 464 ends positioned on oppositeends of the holding element 460. Located proximal to the first end ofthe holding element is a connection 466 for attaching the holdingelement to the support shaft. The holding element may be constructed aseither a separate component (as shown in FIG. 12) which surrounds thesupport shaft or may be integrated with the support shaft (not shown).Located at the second end of the holding element is a hook 468 forreceipt of the carrying handle of an infant car seat. Positioned betweenthe first and second ends of the holding element is pivot 470 whichpermits the swinging of the infant car seat relative to the swing frame.The pivot may be manually operated, or the pivoting action may begenerated by a battery-operated motor.

It will be understood that although the embodiment of the holdingelement shown in FIG. 12 includes a hook for receipt of the carryinghandle of an infant car seat, similar components for receipt of thecarrying handle could be used for this purpose, including thosedescribed herein.

The support bar of the swing frame, when used with any of the holdingelements described above may include one or more stops 47 as shown inFIG. 13. The stops 47 prevent the loop sections surrounding the supportshaft 16 from slipping laterally along the support shaft.

FIG. 14 shows another alternate embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment the swing frame consists of a curved support shaft 100having spaced first and second ends (110, 120). A holding element (130)is attached to the first end 110, wherein the holding element is used tosecure the infant car seat to the swing frame.

Connected to the second end of the support shaft 100 is a base 140having first and second feet 150, 160 for stabilizing the swing frame.The feet (150,160) and the support shaft 100 are preferably foldable inorder to increase the portability of the infant swing. Although the base140 of the swing frame shown in FIG. 12 has a semi-circular orientation,the present invention is not limited to the semi-circular baseconstruction.

An individual of skill in the art will recognize alternateconfigurations for the swing frame which could be used in conjunctionwith the holding element, and the swing frame is therefore not limitedto the examples shown.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a collapsibleswing frame for use with an infant car seat. FIG. 15 shows thecollapsible swing frame 500 set up in a ready-to-use position. The swingframe 500 includes a base 502, a plurality of base poles 504 locked intothe base 502, a plurality of legs 506 coupled with the base poles 504,and a support disc 507 from which depends a holding element 508 for thecarrying handle 510 of an infant car seat 512.

The base 502 for the collapsible swing frame is shown in further detailin FIGS. 16 and 17. The base 502 consists of an outer ring wall 514including a plurality of guide slots 516. The base poles 504 areinserted into the guide slots 516 as shown in FIG. 17. The base alsocomprises a inner ring wall 518. The inner ring wall 518 includes aplurality of pin-slots 520, wherein each pin-slot 520 is aligned with acorresponding guide slot 516.

An example of a base pole is shown in further detail in FIGS. 15 and 18.Each base pole 504 has a first end 522 and a second end 524. Within thefirst end 522, is a spring loaded pin 526 having inner 528 and outerends 530. The inner end 528 is coupled to a spring element 532 and ismaintained within the hollow first end 522 of the base pole 504. Theouter end 530 extends beyond the first end 522 of the base pole 504.Preferably, the base poles are hollow aluminium tubes to allow for easeof transportation. Each base pole 504 also includes an aperture 531through which passes a portion of a connector ring 525. Connector ring525 links the plurality of base poles 504 together. The connector ring525, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is held within a housing 529 and theconnector ring passes through a channel in the housing. The housing 529includes a plurality of gaps 531 in which the base poles are located.The combination of the connector ring 525 and the housing 529 ensurethat the base poles are integrated into the base 502.

Housed within the inner ring wall 518 of the base 502 is a collapsingmechanism 535 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The collapsing mechanism 535comprises a plurality of leaves 536 attached to a ring 538 via hinges540. The collapsing mechanism 535 also includes a base plate 542 havinga pull handle 544 attached to the center of the base plate 542. When theswing frame is in set up position, the collapsing mechanism 535 appearsas shown in FIG. 19. When the swing frame is in collapsed position, thecollapsing mechanism appears as shown in FIG. 20.

Each leg 506 has a first end 537 and a second end 538. Preferably, thelegs are hollow aluminum tubes to allow for ease of transportation. Thefirst end 537 of each leg is coupled to a corresponding base pole via anelbow joint 553. In the set up position, as shown in FIG. 15, each leg506 is locked in an upright position at an angle relative to itscorresponding base pole 504. The locking of each leg in an uprightposition can be accomplished using a variety of locking mechanisms knownin the art.

The support disc 507 shown in FIGS. 15 and 23 includes a support ring555 for holding the second ends of the plurality of legs together. Eachleg 506 also includes an aperture 557 at its second end 538 which allowsthe support ring 555 to pass therethrough. The support disc 507 alsoincludes a channel 562 through which each leg passes in order to holdthe legs together at the top of the swing frame.

The support ring 555 includes a support shaft 556 to which can beattached a holding element such as the ones shown in the precedingfigures. Alternatively, the support shaft 556 may be configured as shownin FIGS. 9 and 10 wherein the holding element can be detachably coupledto the support shaft.

In order to collapse the swing frame 500, the handle 544 attached to thebase plate 542 is pulled vertically, which in turn lifts the base plate542 (see FIGS. 21 and 22). As the base plate 542 rises, it forces theplurality of leaves 536 of the collapsing mechanism into an openconfiguration. The opened leaves 536 push the spring-loaded pins 526 ofthe base poles 504, which are projecting through the pin-slots 520, backthrough the pin-slots into the space between the inner ring 518 and theouter ring 514. As a result, the base poles 504 are unlocked. Thelocking mechanisms which maintain the plurality of legs in the uprightposition are then also released thereby allowing the plurality of legsand base poles to be folded together. Continued upwards pulling of thehandle 544 urges the base poles to pivot on the connector ring, causingthe first ends of the base poles to press against the interior surfaceof the space between the inner ring and the outer ring. The swing frame500 continues to collapse until it reaches the position shown in FIG.24, wherein the base poles and legs hang downwards and adjacent to oneanother.

Although the collapsible swing frame shown in FIGS. 15 to 24 includes acollapsing mechanism for pushing the spring loaded pins of the basepoles from the pin slots, it will be understood that alternatemechanisms for retracting the pins from the slots could be provided withother embodiments. For example, each base pole may include a trigger orlever mechanism which permits the spring-loaded pin to be retracted fromthe pin slots in order to facilitate the collapsing of the swing frame.

In a preferred embodiment, the base poles 504 and legs 506 aretelescoping in order to provide greater portability.

In another aspect, a portable infant swing is provided wherein acollapsible seat-receiving frame is used to couple an infant car seat toa swing frame. The seat-receiving frame may, for example, be in the formof a sling having supports and restraints to securely hold the infantcar seat in the seat-receiving frame as described further below. In thisembodiment, the seat-receiving frame should be at least partiallyconstructed of a strong, flexible, and durable material, for examplenylon, which can support the weight of the car seat. The use of materialsuch as nylon allows the seat-receiving frame to be folded or rolledinto a compact storage position when not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 25, there is shown a collapsible seat receivingframe 600 suspended from a swing frame having an overhead support 610.The seat-receiving frame is connected to the overhead support atconnection site 611. Various swing frames previously referred to in thedescription may be used in conjunction with the seat-receiving frame600. The seat-receiving frame 600 comprises a pair of elongate generallyparallel crossbars 612 which are positioned at opposite ends (614, 616)of a receiving pocket 621. The receiving pocket, as mentioned above, isthe portion of the seat receiving frame that should be constructed of amaterial such as nylon. The receiving pocket 621 may include one or morefasteners for securely attaching an infant car seat to theseat-receiving frame. For example, the receiving pocket may include asecurity belt 650 which is used to fasten the infant car seat to theseat-receiving frame. The security belt fits into seat belt holder slotswhich are located on the infant car seat. Additional fasteners whichclip directly to the infant car seat may also be incorporated into theseat-receiving frame.

The seat receiving frame is connected to the overhead support by aplurality of suspending elements 620, for example a plurality of cords,cables or straps. As shown in FIG. 25 the plurality of suspendingelements connect the connection site 611 with the pair of crossbars 612at attachment sites 624.

The sides (626, 628) of the receiving pocket may be elasticized to allowthem to be drawn tightly against the sides of the car seat.

The pair of crossbars may be adjustable in length to allow for theadjustment of the width of the seat receiving frame in order to securelyfit different models of car seats.

Referring now to FIG. 26, there is shown a collapsible seat receivingframe 700 suspended from a swing frame having an overhead support 710.The seat receiving frame 700 works in generally the same way as theembodiment shown in FIG. 25, however, in this embodiment theseat-receiving frame comprises a pair of generally parallel side bars712 and a pair of generally parallel crossbars 714 that transverselyinterconnect the side bars to provide a quadrilateral shape. The lengthsof individual side bars and crossbars may be adjusted be adjustable inorder to accommodate a variety of sizes and shapes of infant cars seats.

In this embodiment, the seat-receiving frame may comprise a latchingmechanism for releasably engaging a complementary locking system on thebase of an infant car seat. In addition, the seat-receiving frame mayalso include a security belt which is used to fasten the infant car seatto the seat-receiving frame. The security belt connects to the infantcar seat as described above.

The seat receiving frame is connected to the overhead support by aplurality of suspending elements 720, for example a plurality of cords,cables or straps. As shown in FIG. 26 the plurality of suspendingelements connect the connection site 711 with the seat-receiving frameat attachment sites 724.

The seat-receiving frame as shown in FIG. 26 may be constructed fromlight weight, durable materials such as aluminum or plastic.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 are designed to allow formanual actuation of the seat-receiving frame in order to swing theseat-receiving frame in relation to the swing frame. As such, the infantswing does not require drive means to mechanically cause the motion ofthe seat-receiving frame, thereby providing a lightweight and portableinfant swing.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as outlined herein. The entire disclosures of allreferences recited above are incorporated herein by reference.

1. A portable infant swing for detachable coupling with an infant carseat, the infant swing comprising: a standing frame including asupporting element; and a pivoting holding element depending from thesupporting element for securing a carrying handle of the infant car seatto the standing frame, wherein the holding element comprises spacedfirst and second ends, the first end attached to the support element andthe second end releasably attachable to the carrying handle.
 2. Theinfant swing of claim 1 wherein the second end includes a hook, orifice,molded orifice, or clamp for receiving the carrying handle.
 3. Theinfant swing of claim 1 wherein the first end is releasably attached tothe support element.
 4. The infant swing of claim 1 wherein the firstend is integral with the support element.
 5. The infant swing of claim 1wherein the first end pivots around the support element.
 6. The infantswing of claim 1 wherein the holding element comprises a pivot betweenthe first and second ends.
 7. A manually operated portable infant swing,the infant swing comprising; a swing frame, a collapsible or foldableseat-receiving frame connected to the swing frame by a plurality ofsuspending elements, wherein at least one securing element is attachedto the seat-receiving frame for coupling of an infant car seat to theportable infant swing, and wherein the seat-receiving frame is manuallyactuated.